Movies

Netflix’s Most Disturbing Stephen King Movie You Probably Missed Is 8 Years Old

BBG News

Choosing the best adaptation among the numerous times Stephen King‘s works have been adapted into films or TV series can be challenging, given the abundance of options such as “The Shining,” “It,” “Carrie,” and “The Mist” to name a few. However, it’s one of the less famous adaptations that has sent shivers down the spines of viewers who come across it on Netflix due to the unsettling nature of “Gerald’s Game.

According to Mike Flanagan’s 2017 Netflix adaptation, the lesser-known film “Gerald’s Game,” based on Stephen King’s 1992 novel of the same name, continues to be one of King’s most haunting adaptations despite being overlooked. The movie effectively conveys a compact narrative through a challenging situation and an unsettling ambiance, leaving viewers with a lasting impression long after the end credits have finished playing.

Gerald’s Game Sees A Fun Night Turned Into Terror

A Romantic Evening Becomes A Frightening One

As a cinephile, I found myself drawn into the chilling setup of “Gerald’s Game.” In this tale, we follow the journey of Jessie (Carla Gugino) and her husband Gerald (Bruce Greenwood), a married couple seeking to rekindle their passion at a tranquil lake house. In an unusual twist, Gerald’s plan includes popping a Viagra pill and handcuffing Jessie to the bed for an intense night of intimacy. However, a heated argument ensues, leading to a tragic turn of events: Gerald suffers a fatal heart attack and perishes.

In the chilling solitude, I find myself shackled to a bed with no apparent means of escape, mourning my deceased spouse at my feet. The grim reality sets in as I grapple with the daunting task of merely surviving in a predicament that offers few, if any, alternatives. This is the nerve-wracking kind of ordeal that sends shivers down one’s spine because it eerily mirrors real-life possibilities. It’s the harrowing journey of Jessie, where the true horror lies not just in her predicament, but in the desperate measures she must take to survive and persevere against all odds.

Horror Master Mike Flanagan Perfectly Adapts This Story

It’s Not The Easiest Novel To Adapt

One common challenge faced in transforming books into movies is the difference in narrative structures. Novels allow readers to delve into a character’s thoughts without them having to speak explicitly, keeping the reader engaged. Movies, however, must find ways to visually portray these inner workings. The adaptation of Gerald’s Game presents unique difficulties because for most of the film duration, the main character, Jessie, appears on screen by herself.

It’s fortunate that Mike Flanagan, who has made a name for himself as a horror specialist, is directing the adaptation. He skillfully found an effective method to portray the story while offering glimpses into Jesse’s mind without resorting to awkward dialogue exposition. Before Gerald’s Game, Flanagan had already achieved success with Ouija: Origin of Evil and Hush, but it was Gerald’s Game that propelled him to Netflix stardom. His subsequent shows like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass have been incredibly popular.

Stephen King Praised The Gerald’s Game Adaptation

The Original Author Really Liked It

It’s intriguing to listen to Stephen King’s opinions on the numerous adaptations of his work. Despite being universally acclaimed as a fantastic film, “The Shining” isn’t one of his personal favorites, stemming from his novels. On the flip side, he holds “Gerald’s Game” in high regard, publicly praising it via Twitter.

Gerald’s Game joins a select group of Stephen King adaptations that the author himself approves of. Similarly, King had praise for the original Children of the Corn, Misery, and The Shawshank Redemption, among others. However, Stand By Me stands out as his favorite adaptation of any of his works.

Read More

2025-07-07 02:47

Previous post Chicago Fire Star Jake Lockett Marries Amid Uncertainty Over His Future on the Show
Next post Andor Season 2 Unveils Hidden Meaning in Tarkin’s Power Play in Rogue One